There will be no excuse for people in Finchampstead not to be out and about and active this summer, thanks to the new games areas opened on the Gorse Ride playing field (behind the FBC Centre).
The new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) has been built thanks to £176,000 funding from Wokingham Borough Council (most of this money is from Section106 funding – paid to the council by developers) and £20,000 from Finchampstead Parish Council as well as some other community funding.
The MUGA includes a 185m circuit for health walks and cycling and has been designed to help people of all ages and abilities to be active and stay fit. As well as the large multi-sport court, two mini-courts for families with younger children, a mini-tennis zone, rebound panels for practicing sport, multiple basketball/netball hoops, three ping-pong tables, a board games table and picnic tables and seating.
Cllr Angus Ross, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for environment, said: “This is a tremendous facility for Finchampstead and one that we know will be well-used. There is already a great play area for young children on the site and this MUGA complements that perfectly.
“The MUGA is an innovative, open design that will draw people in and provide a lot of different spaces so that different groups can enjoy it at the same time – the multi-sport games area will see cricket games, football games and other activities.”
The MUGA was designed through consultation and engagement with the local Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG), Finchampstead Parish Council and other community representatives. It will be used for activities run by the borough council and Finchampstead Baptist Church, but it is an open public facility that anybody can use.
Although the MUGA is open for play now, there will be an official opening to be attended by Wokingham Borough Deputy Mayor Cllr Rob Stanton on Thursday 25 August at 1pm – all welcome.
Geoff Markham, vice chair of Finchampstead Parish Council, said: "We are delighted to have been able to contribute to this amazing new recreational facility for Finchampstead residents. It is great to see it being so well used already, and we would encourage residents of all ages to come and enjoy the variety of activities on offer."
